The Chronicles of a Man Who Aspired to Be an Unparalleled Character with Hidden Weapons - The Explorer Who Conceals His Power Becomes the Strongest When He Wields a Sword - Chapter 01: The Explorer Who Admired a Certain Character

Chapter 01: The Explorer Who Admired a Certain Character

Once upon a time, not just in Japan, but across the world, something appeared. 

A world of darkness leading to the abyss, which, from a certain point in time, came to be known as “Dungeons.” 

For people who had been enjoying their ordinary lives until then, the emergence of dungeons brought surprise along with dreams.

With the appearance of dungeons, the concepts of skills and levels were born among the people. 

These status traits were either innate or acquired, influenced by the individual’s luck or effort. 

After the appearance of dungeons, this concept of levels further categorized people, where those with strong powers were considered important by both their peers and the country, receiving great expectations and support.

Conversely, those with little power received treatment befitting their status, constantly battling their own limitations and enduring ridicule from those who surpassed them. 

This division of people into two categories, representing the duality of intense desire and jealousy, hope and despair, often led to significant conflicts and problems, creating a world view akin to the end of an era.

However, it was inevitable that with time, things would gradually settle. Although discrimination still persisted, people began to join hands and continue to challenge the unprecedented existence of dungeons.

In this modern era lived a young boy.

From a young age, he possessed high abilities and skills, promising a certain future. However, the boy had a peculiar hobby, or rather an obsession, that was a bit troubling.

“Really, I think truly strong people are those who hide their strength. Of course, it’s a given that they shouldn’t trouble their team members when exploring together.”

The one who declared this was Sena Tokioka, a boy despite having a name that sounds like a girl’s. He was a typical Japanese boy with black hair and black eyes, yet around him lay a multitude of monsters’ corpses, widespread in the dungeon.

“I knew it, but I didn’t even need to use my sword. This was enough.”

Sena said, looking at the bow in his hand. 

In this world, skills dictate the type of weaponry each person can wield, but his true expertise lies not in the bow, but in the sword. 

So why doesn’t he use his primary weapon? That was his peculiar fixation.

“Using a sub-weapon that doesn’t allow me to utilize my full power in usual battles, and unleashing my true strength at crucial moments… Hmm♪ It always seems so cool, no matter how many times I think about it♪” 

His demeanor suggested he thoroughly enjoyed the life-and-death challenges of the dungeon, a testament to the abilities that allowed him to speak such words.

Even with a bow instead of a sword, he was strong enough to pile up the monsters’ bodies. 

“Well then, I guess I’ll take these materials and head back to the guild.”

Saying this, Sena headed towards the exit.

The dungeon was filled with various people, and Sena was just one of them.

These individuals are known in the world as “Explorers,” a respected profession in its own right.

▽▼

“Okay, thank you for today! Good work everyone!”

“Good work~”

After depositing the materials at the Explorer’s Guild, I started my journey home. 

Today, like every other day after school, was spent as an explorer. Nothing particularly dangerous happened, and my adventure wrapped up smoothly.

“There’s a saying about mastering one weapon… but I’ve really gotten the hang of using a bow.”

I thought to myself, pulling out my smartphone to check my status. 

Displayed there were my Explorer rank and all the skills I currently possessed.

[Archery Level 6]

Each skill has its own level, and generally, the maximum level is considered to be 10. So, my archery being at a higher than average level was recognized by those around me. 

However, I have skills that nobody else knows about, and I glanced at them.

[Swordsmanship Level 10] [Unparalleled Blade] [Sword Saint]

These impressive skills were listed boldly. 

Although the maximum level for skills is typically 10, it’s said that there are rare skills without a level concept, and I have two of those, but this fact is known only to me.

Originally, I had trained and honed myself using only a sword… Well, what can I say, it was inspired by a manga I read when I was young. 

In that manga, there was a character called the Legion Knight, who, despite being at the pinnacle of swordsmanship, primarily fought with a spear.

“And then, when he meets someone truly strong, or when he wants to uphold his convictions, he unleashes his true power… Ah, no matter how many times I think about it, it’s just too cool.”

Having a skill level of 10 is quite exceptional and carries enough significance that it should be reported to the government. However, I prefer not to stand out, so I’ve kept it hidden. 

Normally, since I’m registered as an explorer, this should have been discovered, but somehow, by applying my skill [Concealment Level 6], I’ve been able to disguise my skills and levels.

“Well, I’m only registered with archery, so my Explorer rank is C.”

The Explorer rank is determined based on achievements in dungeons and academic performance, as well as skills. Without swordsmanship, I was classified as a C rank, which, frankly, isn’t very high-profile.

Explorer ranks range from the highest, S, down to F, placing me fourth from the bottom. However, there aren’t many restrictions when diving into dungeons, and I can go deeper than my designated rank, which has also contributed to the steady improvement of my archery skills.

“If I’m in a pinch, I can always draw my sword… Yeah?”

As I was thinking this, I saw a party returning from the dungeon.

The five-member group was familiar to me.

“Thanks to Setsuna-san, today was a breeze!”

“Really! Setsuna-san, will you continue to join us—?”

All of them were my classmates from the high school I attended.

They were mostly A-rank, but the blonde beauty leading them was a different story.

(…Setsuna Sumeragi, one of the few student explorers with an S rank.)

Her skills are said to be beyond the scope of a mere student, wielding a sword similar to my original weapon of choice. 

While her magic skills seem decent, I don’t have any personal interactions with her, so despite her fame, I’m unaware of the exact skills she possesses.

“No, I’ll be diving in alone from tomorrow.”

“Eh?”

“Wait, Setsuna-san!?”

As Sumeragi walked past me, the rest of her group hurriedly followed. 

Amidst this, I accidentally bumped shoulders with one of the boys, who, far from apologizing, spat out, 

“What’s with you, bumping into me, you C-rank trash?”

“…”

Explorers wear badges on their arms indicating their rank, so he must have recognized that I was a C rank. 

As evident from this incident, even though it’s gotten a bit better, there’s still an ugly rift between the lower and higher ranks, and there are those who act superior.

“He might be an A rank and undoubtedly an elite, but a little more consideration for others wouldn’t hurt. People like that usually don’t last long, as Legion Knight also says.”

I thought to myself and continued walking. 

It doesn’t really matter to me, as I hide my true power, but I have no intention of causing trouble for anyone.

I avoid joining parties and not contributing, as I don’t want to be responsible for any harm coming to others due to my inaction.

“I have school tomorrow, better head back to the dorm quickly.”

Sena Tokioka here, turned seventeen and now a second-year high school student. It’s not exactly the dream I had, but living with this particular dedication really makes life fulfilling!

By the way, at school, being a C-rank is quite looked down upon… Getting involved in those troubles can be really bothersome, so I seriously wish the teachers would do something about it.

[Postscript]

This is my first time writing a modern fantasy, so I’ll be writing it casually.